Snap-on automotive wheel cover overlay with extended surround and method for manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

An improved snap-on automotive wheel cover overlay with extended surround having hook-shaped members for the purpose of securing the wheel cover overlay of the present invention to a damaged manufacturer&#39;s wheel cover. The wheel cover overlay of the present invention is further secured by inserting a tension rotation device from the reversed position of a tire into a manufactured in wheel cover overlay tension tabs assembly, and having an extended surround covering the entire rim of a vehicle when installed there on. During manufacturing of the present invention, a three dimensional (3D) scanned imaging of the individual embodiment component parts is generated, after rigorous testing, and is transferred to an injection molding computer to generate the injection molding designed precisely corresponding to each individual component parts of the present invention.

This is Divisional Application which benefits and claims priority frompreviously filed Divisional application Ser. No. 17/351,857,Continuation in Part application Ser. No. 17/153,558 and Divisionalapplication Ser. No. 17/206,893.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter generally pertains to an improvedautomotive wheel cover overlay with extended surround, and morespecifically to an automotive wheel cover overlay with extended surroundcapable of snapping over an identical, previously installed wheel coverof an automobile. The purpose of the formerly described automobile wheelcover overlay with extended surround is to cover up the latterlydescribed manufacturer's or aftermarket's automobile wheel cover whichwas damaged, for example, during an automobile collision, or in theabsence of an automobile collision but in the presence of othernon-collision damage, to provide a snap-on automobile, wheel coveroverlay with extended surround of the present invention with an enhancedcosmetic finish and an attractive appearance.

BACKGROUND

In general, aftermarket components are used to enhance automobilecosmetic appearances which can be added to an automobile to adddecoration and customization to a vehicle beyond what is supplied by thevehicle manufacturer. One component is an automobile wheel cover overlaywhich fits over the manufacturer's or aftermarket's installed automobilewheel cover and provides a customized look. An aftermarket automobilewheel cover overlay is typically custom manufactured to precisely fitover a specific one or more wheel cover of a specific vehicle orvehicles. Commonly, aftermarket automobile wheel cover overlays arefinished in a chrome or black finish, thus providing a new look to theautomobile installed thereon.

Aftermarket automobile wheel cover overlays are comprised of differentshapes and designs and are used to fit over automobile factory wheelcovers when said wheel covers are damaged, for example, in an automobilecollision or when said wheel covers demonstrate severe wear and tear andare unattractive due to being exposed to the environmental elements fora significant amount of time. When installed, the wheel cover overlayscover the damaged wheel covers and provide the automobiles with newcosmetic and new decorative finishes which enhance said automobiles'appearances and increase their resale value.

Most automobile wheel covers which are known in the prior art aretypically designed to replace a damaged manufacturer's or aftermarket'swheel covers. Replacing a manufacturer's or aftermarket's wheel coverrequires expending significant resources on labor needed to first removea manufacturer's or aftermarket's wheel cover, and second to replace amanufacturer's or aftermarket's wheel cover with the replacementaftermarket wheel cover. Next the replacement wheel cover is painted,which blends the wheel cover with the appearance of the rest of thevehicle.

Prior to this invention, most prior art taught automobile wheel coverswere used to outright replace manufacturer's or aftermarket's wheelcovers when damaged, for example, during an automobile collision, orwhen damaged, for example, during long exposure to the environmentalelements. In addition, these prior art replacement wheel covers andwheel cover overlays used clips, integral legs, snap tabs, protrudingstrips and adhesive that failed and that led to the wheel covers and thereplacement wheel cover overlays frequently separating from rims of thecars or frequently separating from existing, damaged wheel coversrespectively.

First, the prior art Van Houten in U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,168 teaches awheel cover assembly with pocket inserts fastened to the wheel coverusing an integral snap tab arrangement including integral snap tabs thatextend in an inboard direction from the inboard surface of the wheelcover and that are disposed around each turbine pocket. Second, theprior art Wang in U. S. Pat. Application No. 2007/0096545 teaches awheel rim covering structure with costal bodies and engraved holes withshrinking hole edge equipped with a plastic made fastener assemblyhaving a suitable length stem. Third, the prior art Wang in U.S. Pat.No. 7,510,248 teaches a wheel rim cover mounting structure having aplurality of equiangularly spaced through holes, a plurality ofprotruding flanges perpendicularly protruded from the back side of thecover body around the border of each of the through holes and aplurality of plugholes respectively provided at two sides of each of theprotruding flanges, etc. Fourth, the prior art Wang in U. S. Pat.Application 2013/0278043 teaches an automobile wheel rim cover having aplurality of mounting holes, a plurality of through holes cut throughopposing front and back walls of a cover body thereof corresponding tothe mounting holes of the steel wheel, a plurality of upright flangesprotruding from the back wall of the cover body around the throughholes, a plurality of beveled retaining devices protruding from an outerwall of each upright flange and insertable with the respective uprightflanges through the mounting holes of the steel wheel for hooking on aback wall of the rim of the steel wheel. Fifth, the prior art Hsieh inU.S. Pat. No. 9,227,463 teaches an adjustable wheel cover for aluminumalloy rim wherein a peripheral wall is extended axially from an innersurface of the wheel cover and along a periphery of each through holewith an assembly part disposed with a plurality of adjustment holesradially and a locking block on a spring of the fixing part secured inthe adjustment hole correspondingly.

The present invention has a unique geometric shape which differs fromclips, integral legs, snap tabs, protruding strips and adhesive andprevents vibration from separating the wheel cover overlay of thepresent invention from a vehicle's original wheel cover after beingsnapped on. No prior art wheel cover or wheel cover overlay to date hasfastening and retaining devices using the geometric shape and materialcomposition similar or identical to the snap-on wheel cover technologyemployed by the present invention. Thus, that because the fastening andretaining devices mounted on the prior art automotive wheel covers andafter market wheel covers overlays do not have the requisite geometricshape and overall strength, they require the application of secondarycomponents for affixing an original manufacturer's or aftermarket'sautomotive wheel cover (i.e. tape, glue, clips, etc.). This makesinstallation somewhat tedious, inconvenient, expansive, and perhaps evenmessy. Furthermore, these prior art automotive wheel covers andaftermarket wheel cover overlays are prone to loosen over time withrepeated use of the automobile, and requiring numerous, labor intensiveand costly repairs over the life span of the automobile.

General Description

A primary objective of the present invention is to provide an automotivewheel cover overlay with extended surround that has the identicalconfiguration of a damaged manufacturer's or aftermarket's automotivewheel cover, and has the capability of being securely snapped on intoplace over the latter, and provides the appearance of a new or enhancedmanufacturer's or after market's automotive wheel cover without the needof first removing the damaged automotive wheel cover.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an automotivewheel cover overlay with extended surround capable of being snapped overan existing manufacturer's or aftermarket's automotive wheel cover,without requiring the use of double-sided tape or other bondingmaterials, such clips to hold the automotive wheel cover overlay inplace.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide an automotivewheel cover overlay with extended surround constructed of rigid materialcapable of being flexed and optionally constructed of a single piece ofpolymer material rather than a hybrid polymer material capable ofaffixing over an existing manufacturer's or aftermarket's wheel coverwithout any additional components.

Still another objective of the present invention is to provide animproved automotive wheel cover overlay with extended surround capableof being snapped over a manufacturer's or aftermarket's wheel cover tocover up damage or wear and tear of the latter without being noticeableto consumers that said improved automotive wheel cover overlay had beeninstalled.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an improvedautomotive wheel cover overlay with extended surround capable of beingsnapped over a manufacturer's or aftermarket's wheel cover to cover updamage or wear and tear of the latter without requiring numerous, laborintensive and costly repairs over the life span of a vehicle.

In accordance with certain aspects of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, there is provided an improved automotive wheel cover overlaywith extended surround capable of being snapped over a manufacturer'sexisting wheel cover to cover up damage or wear and tear of the latter,said automotive wheel cover overlay with extended surround of thepresent invention comprising fastening or retaining devices with aunique geometric shape and unique angles used for snapping overcorresponding regions of a manufacturer's or aftermarket's existingwheel cover in need of repair or appearance enhancement.

In accordance with further aspects and, optionally, in combination withother aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, the fasteningor retaining devices of the present invention's automotive wheel coveroverlay containing the snap-on technology used for snapping overcorresponding regions of a manufacturer's existing wheel cover or anexisting aftermarket cover are comprised of a hook-shaped membercomprising of rigid polymer extending from an upper end of a flange,wherein said flange is radially protruding from the inboard surface areaof the wheel cover overlay with extended surround of the presentinvention, and protruding continuously along a polymer longitudinalportion and a polymer upper arm edge which form a geometric orientationon one side that permits the flanges of the wheel cover overlay withextended surround of the present invention when inserted into throughholes bearing the corresponding shapes of said flanges to firmlyattached to the rear surface of a manufacturer's or aftermarket's wheelcover when snapped into place. Similarly, and on an opposite side, saidflange is radially protruding from the inboard surface area side of thewheel cover overlay with extended surround of the present invention, andprotruding continuously along a polymer longitudinal portion and apolymer upper arm edge which form a geometric orientation on an oppositeside that permits the flanges of the wheel cover overlay with extendedsurround of the present invention when inserted into through holesbearing the corresponding shapes of said flanges to firmly attach to therear surface of a manufacturer's or aftermarket's wheel cover whensnapped into place.

In accordance with further aspects and, optionally, in combination withother aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, the fasteningor retaining devices of the present invention's automotive wheel coveroverlay with extended surround containing the snap-on technology usedfor snapping over corresponding regions of a manufacturer's existingwheel cover or an aftermarket's existing wheel cover are comprised onone side of at least one rigid polymer hook-shaped member that protrudesfrom either the flanges or the lug nut towers and defines an interiorregion which grippingly engages a portion behind protruding walls ofcorresponding mounting slots of an existing manufacturer's oraftermarket's wheel cover, and on an opposite side at least one rigidpolymer hook-shaped member that protrude from either the flanges or thelug nut towers, and defines an interior region which grippingly engagesa portion behind protruding walls of corresponding mounting slots of anexisting manufacturer's or aftermarket's wheel cover.

Still, in accordance with further aspects and, optionally, incombination with other aspects of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, the fastening or retaining devices of the present invention'sautomotive wheel cover overlay containing the snap-on technology is areused for snapping over corresponding regions of an existingmanufacturer's or aftermarket wheel cover, wherein upon engagement ofsaid rigid polymer hook-shaped member that protrude from either theflanges or the lug nut towers of the present invention's automotivewheel cover overlay with extended surround with the correspondingportions of a manufacturer's or aftermarket's wheel cover, the presentinvention's automotive wheel cover overlay with extended surround isfirmly affixed to said manufacturer's or aftermarket's wheel cover.

Still, in accordance with further aspects and, optionally, incombination with other aspects of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, an interior surface of said automotive wheel cover overlay'sfastening and retaining devices of the present invention is contoured toprecisely conform to the inboard surface area behind the protrudingwalls of corresponding slots of an existing manufacturer's oraftermarket's wheel cover, such that upon engagement of the rigidpolymer hook-shaped members that protrude from either the flanges or thelug nut towers with the rear or back side walls of said manufacturer'sor aftermarket's automotive wheel cover overlay, said automotive wheelcover overlay with extended surround of the present invention isintended to be flushed against the rear surface of the manufacturer's orthe aftermarket wheel cover.

Still, in accordance with further aspects and, optionally, incombination with other aspects of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, the fastening or retaining devices mounted on the flanges or thelug nut towers of the automotive wheel cover overlay of the presentinvention may be composed of a rigid polymer material that can betemporarily flexed during installation of said automotive wheel coveroverlay over an existing manufacturer's or aftermarket wheel cover.

Yet, in accordance with further aspects and, optionally, in combinationwith other aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, thefastening or retaining devices mounted on the flanges or the lug nuttowers of the automotive wheel cover overlay of the present inventionare manufactured from a rigid material that allows for manipulation ofthe fastening or retaining devices during installation over an existingmanufacturer's or aftermarket's wheel cover to facilitate engagement ofthe major and the minor rigid polymer hook-shaped members snap-ontechnology of the present invention with corresponding inboard surfaceportion and rear lower surface portion of the protruding walls of thecorresponding mounting slots of an existing manufacturer's oraftermarket's wheel cover respectively.

Still yet, in accordance with further aspects and, optionally, incombination with other aspects of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, when snapped in placed over an existing damaged manufacturer'swheel cover, the wheel cover overlay with extended surround of thepresent invention, in addition to the presence of hook-shaped membersfor the purpose of securing the former to the latter, is further securedby inserting a tension rotation device from the reversed position of atire into a manufactured in wheel cover overlay tension tabs assembly,such that tension rotation device prongs of a tension rotation devicepenetrate through a tension rotation device prong's correspondingopenings. Said tension tab rotation device is secured in said tensiontabs assembly by the use of a tension rotation device fastener, afterwhich an automobile emblem support device with tension tabscorresponding to a tension tab guide plate slit is inserted to furthersecure the wheel cover overlay with extended surround of the presentinvention to an existing damaged manufacturer's wheel cover.

Yet still, in accordance with further aspects and, optionally, incombination with other aspects of the presently disclosed subjectmatter, the front surface of the automotive wheel cover overlay of thepresent invention is finished in a decorative finish.

Among advantages of certain embodiments of the presently disclosedsubject matter is are that the improved automotive wheel cover overlayof the present invention can be snapped on to an existing manufacturer'sor aftermarket's existing wheel cover and held firmly in place by meansof hook-shaped members of the fastening or retaining devices, such as atension rotation device, etc. of the automotive wheel cover overlay withextended surround of the present invention without requiring the use ofdouble sided tape or clips to hold the automotive wheel overlay inplace.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to understand the invention and to see how it can be carriedout in practice, embodiments will be described, by the way ofnon-limiting examples, with references to accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front perspective view of the wheel cover overlaywith extended surround of the present invention prior to snap oninstallation over an existing vehicle's wheel cover.

FIG. 1B illustrates a front perspective view of the wheel cover overlaywith extended surround of the present invention after snap oninstallation over an existing vehicle's wheel cover.

FIG. 2 illustrates an inboard surface area elevated perspective view ofan existing vehicle's wheel cover of the prior art.

FIG. 3 illustrates an inboard surface area elevated perspective view ofthe wheel cover overlay with extended surround of the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates an inboard surface area elevated perspective view ofthe wheel cover overlay of depicting the hook-shaped member snap ontechnology of the present invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates a section diagram of FIG. 4A of the wheel coveroverlay with extended surround of the present invention.

FIG. 5A illustrates an inboard surface area elevated perspective view ofthe wheel cover overlay with extended surround of the present invention.

FIG. 5B illustrates a section diagram of FIG. 5A of the wheel coveroverlay with extend surround of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a hook-shaped memberof the present invention latched firmly behind an automobile rim.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a prior art wheel cover overlay withoutextended surround and with a center rotation device.

FIG. 7B is an exploded perspective view of a geometric configuration ofa hook-shaped member of the snap on technology of the present inventionwhen installed on the flanges of the prior art of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is an exploded perspective view of a geometric configuration ofa hook-shaped member of the snap on technology of the present inventionwhen installed on the flanges of the prior art of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7D is an exploded perspective view of a geometric configuration ofa hook-shaped member of the snap on technology of the present inventionwhen installed on the flanges of the prior art of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7E is an exploded perspective view of a geometric configuration ofa hook-shaped member of the snap on technology of the present inventionwhen installed on the flanges of the prior art of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7F is an exploded perspective view of a geometric configuration ofa hook-shaped member of the snap on technology of the present inventionwhen installed on the flanges of the prior art of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7G is an exploded perspective view of a geometric configuration ofa hook-shaped member of the snap on technology of the present inventionwhen installed on the lug nut towers of the prior art of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7H is an exploded perspective view of a geometric configuration ofa hook-shaped member of the snap on technology of the present inventionwhen installed on the lug nut towers of the prior art of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7I is an exploded perspective view of a geometric configuration ofa hook-shaped member of the snap on technology of the present inventionwhen installed on the lug nut towers of the prior art of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7J is an exploded perspective view of a geometric configuration ofa hook-shaped member of the snap on technology of the present inventionwhen installed on the lug nut towers of the prior art of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7K is an exploded perspective view of a geometric configuration ofa hook-shaped member of the snap on technology of the present inventionwhen installed on the lug nut towers of the prior art of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view illustrating component types and outboardsurface area orientation of the wheel cover overlay with extendedsurround of the present invention's tension rotation fastening systemprior to installation over a damaged manufacturer's wheel cover.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view illustrating component types and in boardsurface area orientation of the wheel cover overlay with extendedsurround of the present invention's tension rotation fastening systemprior to installation over a damaged manufacturer's wheel cover.

FIG. 8C is an exploded perspective view illustrating the inboard surfacearea of the present invention comprising a tension tab assembly,hook-shaped members and an extended surround of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the installationorientation of the major component parts of the wheel cover overlay withextended surround of the present invention's tension rotation fasteningsystem.

FIG. 10A is an exploded perspective view illustrating the orientation ofthe wheel cover overlay with extended surround of the presentinvention's tension tabs assembly and automobile emblem support deviceprior to installation.

FIG. 10B is an exploded perspective view illustrating the lockingorientation and configuration after the emblem support device isinserted and installed within the tension tabs assembly of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10C is an exploded perspective view illustrating the major tensiontabs manufactured at an angle of about fifteen (15) degrees and thelocking orientation and configuration after the emblem support device isinserted and installed within the tension tabs assembly of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 illustrates a prior art's installed wheel cover overlay withoutextended surround, wherein upon installation over a damagedmanufacturer's wheel cover a vehicle's rim on which a vehicle's car tireis mounted is exposed.

FIG. 12A illustrates the wheel cover overlay with extended surround ofthe present invention, wherein upon installation over a damagedmanufacturer's wheel cover a vehicle's rim on which a vehicle's car tireis mounted is not exposed.

FIG. 12B illustrates a section diagram of FIG. 12A of the extendedsurround technology of the wheel cover overlay of the present invention.

FIG. 12C illustrates an exploded side view of the extended surroundtechnology of the wheel cover overlay of the present invention.

FIG. 13A illustrates a prior art's hub cap without hook-shaped membersof the present invention.

FIG. 13B illustrates a prior art's hub cap with hook-shaped members ofthe present invention on its flanges.

FIG. 13C illustrates a prior art's hub cap with hook-shaped members ofthe present invention on its lug nut towers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention.However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that thepresently disclosed subject matter may be practiced without thesespecific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures,and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscurethe presently disclosed subject matter.

Bearing in mind, attention is drawn to FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrating thewheel cover overlay with extended surround of the present inventionprior to installation and after installation respectively. Said wheelcover overlay with extended surround is used for covering over a damagedmanufacturer's or aftermarket's wheel cover resulting from a vehicle'saccident or resulting from environmental wear and tear and withoutrequiring numerous, labor intensive and costly repairs over the lifespan of the vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 1A, an automobile 10 with a damaged manufacturer's oraftermarket's wheel cover 15 comprises a plurality of mounting slots 20corresponding to a plurality of through holes 25 of a pre-installedwheel cover overlay 30 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1B, anautomobile 10 with a damaged wheel cover as described in FIG. 1A isfitted with a wheel cover overlay with extended surround 30 of thepresent invention. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1B, a wheel cover overlaywith extended surround 30 of the present invention with identicalconfiguration of a damaged manufacturer's or aftermarket's wheel coveris securely snapped on into place over the latter, thereby providing theappearance of a new or enhanced manufacturer's or aftermarket's wheelcover, without the need of removing said damaged manufacturer's oraftermarket's wheel cover 15.

An inboard surface area of a prior art depicting a wheel cover 35 isillustrated in FIG. 2. Said prior art wheel cover comprises an outerperipheral boundary surface 40, an inboard surface area 45, equallyspaced flanges 50 protruding or projecting from the inboard surface areaof the rear surface of the wheel cover, and said flanges are formed bylateral walls 55 used for configuring the shapes of said flanges,through holes or cut openings 65 designed to correspond to the mountingslots of a damaged existing wheel cover and snap tabs 60 for snapping onthe prior art wheel cover over said damaged existing automotive wheelcover. In addition to snap tabs, the prior art also teaches using clips,and integral legs terminating with a foot, etc. Finally, the prior artof FIG. 2 teaches a plurality of holes 75 carved into the inboard of thesurface area of the wheel cover corresponding to designs of wheel nuts,which are used for firmly attaching a vehicle's rim housing and avehicle's tire to a vehicle.

Referring to an embodiment of this present invention, FIG. 3 illustratesa wheel cover overlay 100 comprising an outer peripheral boundarysurface 41, an inboard surface area 46, a plurality of lug nut towers70, said plurality of lug nut towers comprising through holes 67, aplurality of flanges 50 containing a plurality of through holes 66, aplurality of major snap on hook-shaped members 120 protruding from saidflanges, and a plurality of minor snap on hook-shaped members 110protruding from said lug nut towers 70.

Still referring to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG.4A illustrates a wheel cover overlay 200 comprising an outer boundaryperipheral surface area 41, an inboard surface area 46, a plurality offlanges 50 with walls 55 protruding from the inboard surface area 46 ofthe wheel cover overlay and comprising through holes 66, a plurality ofmajor snap on hook-shaped members 120 protruding from said plurality offlanges, and a plurality of through holes 67 a directly carved into thesurface of the inboard area 46 for receiving wheel nuts with the supportof lug nut towers 70 a. FIG. 4A also has an opening 68 for accommodatingan inflation means associated with the tire over whose rim the wheelcover overlay of the present invention is installed.

As depicted in FIG. 4A, The hook-shaped member 120 is manufactured onadjacent plurality of flanges 50 and is comprised of a hook-shapedmember portion 600 a comprising a rigid polymer lip 601 a protrudingcontinuously and axially along the entirety of a rigid polymerlongitudinal edge 602 a, which is continuously and radially connected toa rigid polymer curved arm edge 603 a on one end, and which iscontinuously and radially connected to a rigid polymer curved arm edge604 a on the opposite end of the hook-shaped member; and a hook-shapedmember portion 600 b comprising a rigid polymer lip 601 b protrudingcontinuously and axially along the entirety of a rigid polymerlongitudinal edge 602 b, which is continuously and radially connected torigid polymer curved arm edge 603 b on one end, and radially connectedto a rigid polymer curved arm edge 604 b on the opposite end of thehook-shaped member. It should be noted that the hook-shaped member 600 aand the hook-shaped member 600 b can be manufactured and alternated onboth the major flanges 50 and the minor flanges 51 of the wheel coveroverlay with extended surround of the present invention.

The geometric shape of the hook-shaped member portion 600 a and thehook-shaped member portion 600 b described in FIG. 4A is critical inlocking and maintaining in place the wheel cover overlay with extendedsurround of the present invention when installed. That is, wheninstalled the hook-shaped member's geometric shape makes contact with avehicle's rim in such a way that prevents separation caused by repeateduse of the vehicle which is an enormous advantage over the prior art, asthese prior art automotive wheel covers and aftermarket wheel coveroverlays are prone to loosen over time with repeated use of theautomobile and requiring numerous, labor intensive and costly repairsover the life span of the vehicle.

FIG. 4B illustrates a section diagram of FIG. 4A of the wheel coveroverlay with extended surround comprising a rigid polymer longitudinalportion 121 which is connected to a rigid polymer curved portion 130,said rigid polymer longitudinal portion 121 is also connected to a rigidpolymer arm edge portion 123, and forms alternate obtuse angles 116 aand 116 b preferably between 91 degrees 179 degrees. Said rigid polymerarm edge portion 123 is connected to a central and continuously rigidpolymer longitudinal portion 125, which is connected to a rigid polymerarm edge portion 124 and forms alternate obtuse angles 116 c and 116 dwith said central and continuously rigid polymer longitudinal portion125 and, said rigid polymer arm edge portion 124 is connected to a rigidpolymer longitudinal portion 122 in turn is connected a rigid polymercurved portion 131.

It should also be noted that the inventor anticipates the rigid polymerarm edge portion 123 and rigid polymer arm edge portion 124 formingright angles (or 90 degrees) and acute angles (or less than 90 degrees)with the rigid polymer longitudinal portion 125 and the rigid polymerlongitudinal portion 122 respectively.

Yet still, referring to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 5A illustrates a wheel cover overlay with extended surround 300comprising an outer peripheral boundary surface 41, a inboard surfacearea 46, a plurality of major flanges 50 with walls 55 protruding fromthe inboard surface area 46 of the wheel cover overlay with extendedsurround, a plurality of minor flanges 51 with walls 56 protruding fromthe inboard surface area 46 of the wheel cover overlay with extendedsurround, and further comprising major through holes 66 a correspondingto the major flanges 50 and minor through holes 66 b corresponding tothe minor flanges 51, a plurality of major snap on hook-shaped members120 protruding from said plurality of major flanges, and a plurality ofthrough holes 67 b directly carved into the surface area of the inwardboard 46 for receiving wheel nuts with the supporting lug nut towers 70b. FIG. 5A also has an opening 68 for accommodating an inflation meansassociated with the tire over which the wheel cover overlay of thepresent invention is installed.

FIG. 5B illustrates a section diagram of FIG. 5A of the wheel coveroverlay with extended surround of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 5B illustrates a section of the wheel cover overlay with extendedsurround of the present invention wherein said inboard surface area 46comprises a right-rigid polymer arm edge 172 which is connected to aright-rigid polymer vertical portion 135. Said rigid polymer arm edgeportion 172 which is connected to a rigid polymer longitudinal portion171 and forms an obtuse angle 117 a preferably between 91 degrees and179 degrees. Said rigid polymer longitudinal portion 171 is connected toa rigid polymer arm edge portion 173 to form an obtuse angle 117 b withsaid rigid polymer longitudinal portion 171. Still referring to FIG. 5B,said rigid polymer arm edge portion 173 is connected to a polymervertical portion 136.

Further, referring to FIG. 5B a rigid polymer arm edge portion 175 isconnected to a rigid polymer vertical portion 137 and a rigid polymerlongitudinal portion 174 and forms an obtuse angle 118 a preferablybetween 91 degrees and 179 degrees. Said rigid polymer longitudinalportion 174 is connected to a rigid polymer arm edge portion 176 andforms an obtuse angle 118 b preferably between 91 degrees and 179degrees. Still referring to FIG. 5B, said rigid polymer arm edge portion176 is connected to a polymer vertical portion 138.

It should also be noted that the inventor anticipates the rigid polymerarm edge portion 175 and the rigid polymer arm edge portion 176 formingright angles (or 90 degrees) and acute angles (or less than 90 degrees)with the rigid polymer longitudinal portion 171 and the rigid polymerlongitudinal 174 portion respectively.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the presentinvention's major hook-shaped member 120 latched behind an automobilerim wherein reasonable pressure is applied until said major hook-shapedmember snap on technology 120 of the present invention protruding fromsaid flange 50 is snapped over and latches firmly behind a protrudingwall not seen of a corresponding mounting slot 20 of an existing anddamaged wheel cover 15. Said hook-shaped member 120 is comprised of arigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm 120 a connected to a rigidpolymer longitudinal lower lip arm 120 b, wherein said rigid polymerlongitudinal upper lip arm 120 a and said rigid polymer longitudinallower lip arm 120 b are connected by a rigid polymer acutely curvedmember 120 c to form a continuous rigid polymer surface and a rigidpolymer interior region 120 d used for snapping on an automotive wheelcover overlay with complete surround of the present invention over anexisting manufacturer's wheel cover, and wherein said hook-shaped member120 latches onto a metal portion 140 of an automobile wheel rim. Saidrigid polymer longitudinal lower lip arm is at most 60% of the length ofsaid rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm. Hook-shaped members ofthe present invention with geometric configurations described andlabeled as 76 b, 76 c, 76 d, 76 e, 76 f, 76 g, 76 h, 76 i, 76 j and 76 kcan be used in place of said hook-shaped member described in FIG. 6 toachieve the identical utility result.

FIG. 7A is an example of a prior art wheel cover overlay 310 comprisingan inboard surface area 46, lug nut towers 70 c projecting from theinboard surface 46, lug nut tower through holes 67 c, a major flange 50projecting from said inboard surface area 46 with an opening 68 therein,a major flange through hole 66 a, a minor flange 51 projecting from saidinboard surface 46, a minor flange through hole 66 b, an inserted centerrotation device 88 not manufactured in the inboard surface 46, tensiontabs 89 manufactured in the inboard surface area 46, wherein when saidrotation device is turned clockwise and said tension tabs expandoutwards and rest within the cavity of the metal wheel rim of anautomobile thereby securing said prior art wheel cover overlay 310(using the physics of friction only) to a damaged manufacturer's wheelcover.

FIG. 7B is a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein theprior art 310 as depicted in FIG. 7A is improved when mounted with ahook-shaped member snap-on technology of the present invention. As shownin FIG. 7B are hook-shaped members represented as 76 b of the presentinvention affixed along the circumference of the prior art's wheel covermajor flanges 50 as depicted in FIG. 7A. Said hook-shaped members 76 bare comprised of a rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm 200 bconnected to a rigid polymer longitudinal lower lip arm 201 b, whereinsaid rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm 200 b and said rigidpolymer longitudinal lower lip arm 201 b are connected by a rigidpolymer acutely curved member 202 b to form a continuous rigid polymersurface and a rigid polymer interior region 203 b used for snapping onan automotive wheel cover overlay with complete surround of the presentinvention over an existing manufacturer's wheel cover. Said rigidpolymer longitudinal lower lip arm is at most 50% of the length of saidrigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm.

FIG. 7C is a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein theprior art 310 as depicted in FIG. 7A is improved when mounted with thehook-shaped members snap-on technology of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 7C are hook-shaped members represented as 76 c of thepresent invention affixed along the circumference of the prior art'swheel cover major flanges 50 as depicted in FIG. 7A. Said hook-shapedmembers 76 c are comprised of a rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm200 c connected to a rigid polymer longitudinal lower lip arm 201 c,wherein said rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm 200 c and rigidpolymer longitudinal lower lip arm 201 c are connected by a rigidpolymer acutely curved member 202 c to form a continuous rigid polymersurface and a rigid polymer interior region 203 c used for snapping onan automotive wheel cover overlay with complete surround of the presentinvention over an existing manufacturer's wheel cover. Said rigidpolymer longitudinal lower lip arm is at most 90% of the length of saidrigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm.

FIG. 7D is a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein theprior art 310 as depicted in FIG. 7A is improved when mounted with thehook-shaped members snap-on technology of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 7D are hook-shaped members represented as 76 d of thepresent invention affixed along the circumference of the prior art'swheel cover major flanges 50 as depicted in FIG. 7A. Said hook-shapedmembers 76 d are comprised of a rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm200 d connected to a rigid polymer longitudinal lower lip arm 201 d,wherein said rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm and rigid polymerlongitudinal lower lip arm are connected by a rigid polymer rightlycurved or obtusely curved member 202 d to form a continuous rigidpolymer surface and a rigid polymer interior region 203 d used forsnapping on an automotive wheel cover overlay with complete surround ofthe present invention over an existing manufacturer's wheel cover. Saidrigid polymer longitudinal lower lip arm is at most 50% of the length ofsaid rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm.

FIG. 7E is a preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein theprior art 310 as depicted in FIG. 7A is improved when mounted with thehook-shaped members snap on technology of the present invention. Asshown in FIG. 7E are hook-shaped members represented as 76 e of thepresent invention affixed along the circumference of the prior art'swheel cover major flanges 50 as depicted in FIG. 7A. Said hook-shapedmembers 76 e are comprised of a rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm200 e connected to a rigid polymer longitudinal lower lip arm 201 e,wherein said rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm and rigid polymerlongitudinal lower lip arm are connected by a rigid polymerperpendicular member 202 e to form a continuous rigid polymer surfaceand a rigid polymer interior region 203 e used for snapping on anautomotive wheel cover overlay with complete surround of the presentinvention over an existing manufacturer's wheel cover. Said rigidpolymer longitudinal lower lip arm is at most 50% of the length of saidrigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm.

As in FIG. 7E above, FIG. 7F is a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention wherein the prior art 310 as depicted in FIG. 7A is improvedwhen mounted with the hook-shaped members snap on technology of thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 7F are hook-shaped membersrepresented as 76 f of the present invention affixed along thecircumference of the prior art's wheel cover major flanges 50 asdepicted in FIG. 7A. Said hook-shaped members 76 f are comprised of arigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm 200 f connected to a rigidpolymer longitudinal lower lip arm 201 f, wherein said rigid polymerlongitudinal upper lip arm and rigid polymer longitudinal lower lip armare connected by a rigid polymer perpendicular member 202 f to form acontinuous rigid polymer surface and a rigid polymer interior region 203f used for snapping on an automotive wheel cover overlay with completesurround of the present invention over an existing manufacturer's wheelcover. Said rigid polymer longitudinal lower lip arm is at most 90% ofthe length of said rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm.

Still referring to a preferred embodiment, FIG. 7G is the prior artwheel cover 310 depicted in FIG. 7A comprising an inboard surface area46, lug nut towers 70 d projecting from the inboard surface area 46, lugnut tower through holes 67 d, at least one major flange 50 projectingfrom said inboard surface area 46 with an opening 68 therein andcomprising a major flange through hole 66 a, at least one a minor flange51 projecting from said inboard surface 46 and comprising a minor flangethrough hole 66 b, an inserted center rotation device 88, and at leastone elongated prong 89 manufactured within the inboard surface area andused for securing said prior art wheel to a damaged manufacturer's wheelcover.

Still referring to FIG. 7G, said lug nut towers 70 d are affixed withthe hook-shaped members snap-on technology of the present invention.Said hook-shaped members 76 g affixed to said lug nut towers 70 d arecomprised of a rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm 200 g connectedto a rigid polymer longitudinal lower lip arm 201 g, wherein said rigidpolymer longitudinal upper lip arm 200 g and said rigid polymerlongitudinal lower lip arm 201 g are connected by a rigid polymeracutely curved and indented member 202 g to form a continuous rigidpolymer surface and a rigid polymer interior region 203 g used forsnapping on an automotive wheel cover overlay with complete surround ofthe present invention over an existing manufacturer's wheel cover. Saidrigid polymer longitudinal lower lip arm is at most 50% of the length ofsaid rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm.

FIG. 7H, a preferred embodiment, depicts said lug nut towers 70 d beingaffixed with the hook-shaped members snap-on technology of the presentinvention. Said hook-shaped members 76 h affixed to said lug nut towers70 d are comprised of a rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm 200 hconnected to a rigid polymer longitudinal lower lip arm 201 h, whereinsaid rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm 200 h and rigid polymerlongitudinal lower lip arm 201 h are connected by a rigid polymeracutely curved and indented member 202 h to form a continuous rigidpolymer surface and a rigid polymer interior region 203 h used forsnapping on an automotive wheel cover overlay with complete surround ofthe present invention over an existing manufacturer's wheel cover. Saidrigid polymer longitudinal lower lip arm is at most 30% of the length ofsaid rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm.

Similarly, FIG. 7I is a preferred embodiment which depicts said lug nuttowers 70 d being affixed with the hook-shaped members snap-ontechnology of the present invention. Said hook-shaped members 76 iaffixed to said lug nut towers 70 d are comprised of a rigid polymerlongitudinal upper lip arm 200 i connected to a rigid polymerlongitudinal lower lip arm 201 i, wherein said rigid polymerlongitudinal upper lip arm 200 i and said rigid polymer longitudinallower lip arm 201 i are connected by a rigid polymer perpendicularlycurved and indented member 202 i to form a continuous rigid polymersurface and a rigid polymer interior region 203 i used for snapping onan automotive wheel cover overlay with complete surround of the presentinvention over an existing manufacturer's wheel cover. Said rigidpolymer longitudinal lower lip arm is at most 40% of the length of saidrigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm.

Still, FIG. 7J is a preferred embodiment which depicts said lug nuttowers 70 d being affixed with the hook-shaped members snap-ontechnology of the present invention. Said hook-shaped members 76 jaffixed to said lug nut towers 70 d are comprised of a rigid polymerlongitudinal upper lip arm 200 j connected to a rigid polymerlongitudinal lower lip arm 201 j, wherein said rigid polymerlongitudinal upper lip arm 200 j and said rigid polymer longitudinallower lip arm 201 j are connected by a rigid polymer perpendicularlycurved and indented member 202 j to form a continuous rigid polymersurface and a rigid polymer interior region 203 j used for snapping onan automotive wheel cover overlay with complete surround of the presentinvention over an existing manufacturer's wheel cover. Said rigidpolymer longitudinal lower lip arm is at most 60% of the length of saidrigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm.

Yet still, FIG. 7K is a preferred embodiment which depicts said lug nuttowers 70 d being affixed with the hook-shaped members snap-ontechnology of the present invention. Said hook-shaped members 76 kaffixed to said lug nut towers 70 d are comprised of a rigid polymerlongitudinal upper lip arm 200 k connected to a rigid polymerlongitudinal lower lip arm 201 k, wherein said rigid polymerlongitudinal upper lip arm 200 k and said rigid polymer longitudinallower lip arm 201K are connected by a rigid polymer perpendicularlycurved and indented member 202 k to form a continuous rigid polymersurface and a rigid polymer interior region 203 k used for snapping onan automotive wheel cover overlay with complete surround of the presentinvention over an existing manufacturer's wheel cover. Said rigidpolymer longitudinal lower lip arm is at most 45% of the length of saidrigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm.

It should be noted that the hook-shaped members affixed externally tosaid lug nut towers as described in the preferred embodiments of FIGS.7G, 7H, 7I, 7J and 7 k can be manufactured within the through holes 67 dof said lug nut towers 70 d, or better still on the reserve ends oropposite positions of the current positions of the hook-shaped membersas depicted and described. As such said hook-shaped members manufacturedwithin the through holes 67 c of said lug nuts tower 70 c will have thesame geometric shape as the affixed hook-shaped members described in 76b, 76 c, 76 d, 76 e, 76 f, 76 g, 76 h and 76 i of the present invention.

Referring to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 8Aillustrates a damaged manufacturer's wheel cover 251 prior to theinstallation of the wheel cover overlay with extended surround of thepresent invention 250. Still referring to FIG. 8A, said wheel coveroverlay with extended surround of the present invention 250 is comprisedof an outboard surface area 47 in which there exist within at least onemajor flange 50, at least one minor flange 51, at least one lug nuttower through hole 67 e, at least one major flange through hole 66 a, atleast one minor flange through hole 66 b, a wheel cover overlayperipheral boundary 160, and a wheel cover overlay peripheral extendedsurround 161.

Still referring to FIG. 8A, the wheel cover overlay with extendedsurround of the present invention has a tension tab guide plate 165containing at least one tension tab guide plate slit 166, which can bemanufactured to remain fixed in place permanently or can be manufacturedas a separate plate to be screwed in an out as needed. The quantity oftension tab guide plate slits 166 manufactured within said tension tabguide plate 165 corresponds to said tension tabs 166 a of a specificautomobile emblem support device 177.

During installation of the wheel cover overlay with extended surround ofthe present invention 250 over an existing damaged manufacturer's wheelcover 251, as depicted in FIG. 8A, the wheel cover overlay with extendedsurround 250 is installed over the damaged manufacturer's wheel cover251 by centering said wheel cover overlay with extended surround tensiontab guide plate 165 directly over the tire rim opening 326 of the tire325 containing the damaged manufacturer's wheel cover 251. When snappedin placed over an existing damaged manufacturer's wheel cover 251, thewheel cover overlay with extended surround of the present invention 250,in addition to the presence of FIG. 4A hook-shaped members on itsflanges for securing the latter to the former, is secured by inserting atension rotation device 88 a from the reversed position of the tire 325to land between manufactured in place wheel cover overlay tension tabsnot shown. In addition, a tension rotation device prong 88 b of atension rotation device 88 a penetrates through a tension rotationdevice prong's corresponding opening 88 c. Said tension tab rotationdevice is secured in said tension tabs assembly 500, not seen, butcontaining the manufactured in place wheel cover overlay tension tabs bythe use of a tension rotation device fastener 88 d, after which saidautomobile emblem cover 177 with said tension tabs 166 a correspondingto said tension tabs guide plate slits 166 is inserted to further securethe wheel cover overlay with extended surround of the present inventionto an existing damaged manufacturer's wheel cover 251.

FIG. 8B depicts the installation steps using the reverse side view ofthe wheel cover overlay with extended surround comprising the steps of:first, snapping over the wheel cover overlay with extended surround 250of the present invention over an existing damaged manufacturer's wheelcover previously installed on a rim of an automobile tire 325, whereinsaid wheel cover overlay with extended surround 250 is comprised of aninboard surface area 46 comprising at least one major flange 50, atleast one minor flange 51, at least one lug nut tower 70 e, at least onelug nut tower through hole 67 e, at least one major flange through hole66 a, at least one minor flange through hole 66 b, a wheel cover overlayperipheral boundary 160, and a wheel cover overlay peripheral extendedsurround 161. In the central portion of said inboard surface area 46 issaid wheel cover overlay tension tabs assembly 500 comprising at leastone major tension tab 90 a and at least one minor tension tab 90 b.Second, inserting a tension rotation device 88 a having a tensionrotation device prong 88 b through a through hole 750 of the damagedmanufacturer's wheel cover 251 into the cavity of the wheel coveroverlay tension tabs assembly 500 of the present invention as describedboth in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B. Third, using said tension rotation devicefastener 88 d to tighten said tension rotation device 88 a clockwisewithin the cavity of said wheel cover overlay tabs assembly 500 untilsaid major tension tabs 90 a expand outwards and latches behind thewalls of the tire 325 metal rim using its hook-shaped members describedin FIG. 9 below. Fourth and finally, said automobile emblem supportdevice 177 with said tension tabs 166 a corresponding to said tensiontabs guide plate slits 166 as described in FIG. 8A is inserted tofurther secure the wheel cover overlay with extended surround of thepresent invention to an existing damaged manufacturer's wheel cover 251.

Referring to FIG. 8C, the wheel cover overlay with extended surround ofthe present invention 250 is comprised of an inboard surface area 46, atleast one major flange, at least one minor flange 51, at least one lugnut tower 70 e, at least one lug nut tower through hole 67 e, at leastone major flange through hole 66 a, at least one minor flange throughhole 66 b, a wheel cover overlay peripheral boundary 160, and a wheelcover overlay peripheral extended surround 161. In the central portionof said inboard surface area 46 is said wheel cover overlay tension tabsassembly 500 comprising at least one major tension tab 90 a and at leastone minor tension tab 90 b. Still referring to FIG. 8C, the hook-shapedmember 120 is manufactured on adjacent plurality of flanges 50 and iscomprised of a hook-shaped member portion 600 a comprising a rigidpolymer lip 601 a protruding continuously and axially along the entiretyof a rigid polymer longitudinal edge 602 a, which is continuously andradially connected to a rigid polymer curved arm edge 603 a on one end,and which is continuously and radially connected to a rigid polymercurved arm edge 604 a on the opposite end of the hook-shaped member; anda hook-shaped member 600 b comprising a rigid polymer lip 601 bprotruding continuously and axially along the entirety of a rigidpolymer longitudinal edge 602 b, which is continuously and radiallyconnected to a rigid polymer curved arm edge 603 b on one end andradially connected to a rigid polymer curved arm edge 604 b on theopposite end of the hook-shaped member. It should be noted that thehook-shaped member 600 a and the hook-shaped member—can be manufacturedand alternated on both the major flanges 50 and the minor flanges 51 ofthe wheel cover overlay with extended surround of the present invention.

FIG. 9 depicts an exploded view of the central cross sectional area ofthe wheel cover overlay with extended surround of the present inventioncomprising at least one lug nut tower 70 e, at least one lug nut towerthrough hole 67 e, and said wheel cover overlay tension tabs assembly500 comprising at least one major tension tab 90 a containing thehook-shaped member 95 of the present invention, and at least one minortension tab 90 b. Still referring to FIG. 9, there is depicted anexploded view of the hook-shaped member 95 comprised of a rigid curvedpolymer lip 601 c protruding continuously and axially along the entiretyof a rigid polymer longitudinal edge 602 c, which is continuously andradially connected to a rigid polymer curved arm edge 603 c on one end,and is continuously and radially connected to a rigid polymer curved armedge 604 c on the opposite end of the hook-shaped member 95. Thegeometric shape of the hook-shaped member 95 described in FIG. 9 iscritical in locking and maintaining in place the wheel cover overlaywith extended surround of the present invention when installed. That is,when installed the hook-shaped member's 95 geometric shape makes contactwith a vehicle's rim in such a way that prevents separation caused byrepeated use of the vehicle which is a an enormous advantage over theprior art, as these prior art automotive wheel covers and aftermarketwheel cover overlays are prone to loosen over time with repeated use ofthe vehicle, and requiring numerous, labor intensive and costly repairsover the life span of the vehicle.

FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B depicts the emblem support device 177 prior to andafter being fitted within the wheel cover overlay tension tabs assembly500, wherein said tension tabs 166 a of an automobile emblem supportdevice 177 is fitted within said wheel cover overlay tension tabsassembly 500 by snapping over said minor tension tabs. 90 b of saidwheel cover overlay tension tabs assembly 500 of the present invention.The unengaged major tension tabs 90 a of said wheel cover overlaytension tabs assembly 500 tilt outwardly when said rotation tensiondevice 88 a shown in FIG. 9 is tightened using the tension rotationdevice fastener 88 d also shown in FIG. 9, until said hook-shapedmembers 95 of said major tension tabs 90 a snap into grooves embedded inthe rear surface area of a rim of a vehicle.

Still referring to FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, the hook-shaped member 95 iscomprised of a rigid curved polymer lip 601 c protruding continuouslyand axially along the entirety of a rigid polymer longitudinal edge 602c, which is continuously and radially connected to a rigid polymerright-side curved arm edge 603 c on one end, and is continuously andradially connected to a rigid polymer curved arm edge 604 c on theopposite end of the hook-shaped member 95. The geometric shape of thehook-shaped member 95 described in FIG. 9 is critical in locking andmaintaining in place the wheel cover overlay with extended surround ofthe present invention when installed. That is, when installed thehook-shaped member's 95 geometric shape makes contact with the vehicle'srim in such a way that prevents separation caused by repeated use of thevehicle which is an enormous advantage over the prior art, as theseprior art automotive wheel covers and aftermarket wheel cover overlaysare prone to loosen over time with repeated use of the vehicle, andrequiring numerous, labor intensive and costly repairs over the lifespan of the vehicle.

FIG. 10C illustrates said wheel cover overlay tension tabs assembly 500manufactured the within wheel cover overlay with extended surround ofthe present invention 250, wherein said tension tabs 166 a of avehicle's emblem support device 177 as described in FIG. 10A is fittedwithin said wheel cover overlay tension tabs assembly 500 by snappingover said minor tension tabs 90 b of said wheel cover overlay tensiontabs assembly 500 of the present invention. The unengaged major tensiontabs 90 a of said wheel cover overlay tension tabs assembly 500 iscapable of being manufactured up to a deviation of about fifteen (15)degrees measured from the position of the minor tension tabs 90 b, suchthat the need for, a rotation tension device 88 a and for a tensionrotation device fastener 88 d as shown in FIG. 8A might not be needed.That is, the tension tabs assembly 500 with said major tension tabs 90 acomprising hook-shaped members 95 manufactured at about a deviation offifteen (15) degrees is capable of snapping into grooves embedded in therear surface area of a rim of a vehicle without the need for a rotationtension device 88 a and a tension rotation device fastener 88 d.

Still referring to FIG. 10C, in addition to the fifteen (15) degreesangle, the hook-shaped member 95 is held in place without the need for arotation tension device 88 a nor a need for a tension rotation devicefastener 88 d because the hook-shaped member 95 is comprised of a rigidcurved polymer lip 601 c protruding continuously and axially along theentirety of a rigid polymer longitudinal edge 602 c, which iscontinuously and radially connected to a rigid polymer curved arm edge603 c on one end, and is continuously and radially connected to a rigidpolymer curved arm edge 604 c on the opposite end of the hook-shapedmember 95. The geometric shape of the hook-shaped member 95 described inFIG. 9 is critical in locking and maintaining in place the wheel coveroverlay with extended surround of the present invention when installed.That is, when installed the hook-shaped member's geometric shape alongwith the up to fifteen (15) degrees at which it is manufactured in theoverlay 250 of the present invention makes contact with the vehicle'srim in such a way that prevents separation caused by repeated use of thevehicle which is an enormous advantage over the prior art, as theseprior art automotive wheel covers and aftermarket wheel cover overlaysare prone to loosen over time with repeated use of a vehicle, andrequiring numerous, labor intensive and costly repairs over the lifespan of the vehicle.

One key distinction between the prior art's wheel cover overlay, forexample as depicted in FIG. 7A, and the present invention's wheel coveroverlay with extended surround is the extent to which their respectivewheel cover overlay extends over an automobile rim when snapped intoplace over an existing damaged manufacturer's wheel cover. Reasoningalong those lines, FIG. 11 illustrates an installed wheel cover overlay340 of the prior art, wherein a vehicle's rim 350 on which a vehicle'scar tire 325 is mounted is exposed after installation of the wheel coveroverlay 340 of the prior art.

In contrast, FIG. 12A, FIG. 12B and FIG. 12C depict a wheel coveroverlay with extended surround of the present invention 250, whereinupon mounted on an existing damaged manufacturer's wheel cover theperipheral boundary 160 combined with the peripheral extended surround161 of the present invention covers the existing damaged manufacturer'swheel cover and the entire automobile rim upon which it is mounted.

A cross sectional area of FIG. 12A is represented in FIG. 12B, whichdepicts how the wheel cover overlay with extended surround of thepresent invention 250 covers the entire automobile rim when installed.Specifically referring to FIG. 12B, the cross sectional area illustratesthe peripheral extended surround 161 completely covering amanufacturer's automobile rim 350. The extended surround 161 of thispresent invention can be of any length; however, the present inventionanticipates the maximum length of the extended surround 161 to be suchlength whereby, the wheel cover overlay of the present invention, wheninstalled covers the entire automobile rim. That is, no space is leftbetween the wheel cover overlay with extended surround of the presentinvention 250 and the rim 350 of an automobile when the former issnapped over the latter when covering an existing damaged manufacturer'swheel cover.

FIG. 12C is an exploded side angle view of FIG. 12A. Specifically, FIG.12C, illustrates the peripheral extended surround 161 completelycovering a manufacturer's automobile rim 350. Similarly to FIG. 12B, theextended surround 161 of this present invention can be of any length;however, the present invention anticipates the maximum length of theextended surround 161 to be such length whereby, the wheel cover overlayof the present invention, when installed covers the entire automobilerim. That is, no space is left between the wheel cover overlay withextended surround of the present invention 250 and the rim 350 of anautomobile when the former is snapped over the latter when covering anexisting damaged manufacturer's wheel cover.

Although the present invention is primarily geared towards a wheel coveroverlay with extended surround, the hook-shaped members of the presentinvention are applicable to hub caps to ensured installation stabilityand installation security. FIG. 13A is a prior art hub cap comprising atleast one major flange 50, at least one lug nut tower 70 f and at leastone lug nut tower through hole 67 f.

FIG. 13B depicts hook-shaped members of the present invention installedon flanges 50 of the prior art described in FIG. 13A. As shown in FIG.13B are hook-shaped members represented as 76 d of the present inventionaffixed along the circumference of the prior art's wheel cover majorflanges 50 as depicted in FIG. 13A. Said hook-shaped members 76 d arecomprised of a rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm 200 d connectedto a rigid polymer longitudinal lower lip arm 201 d, wherein said rigidpolymer longitudinal upper lip arm and rigid polymer longitudinal lowerlip arm are connected by a rigid polymer rightly curved or obtuselycurved member 202 d to form a continuous rigid polymer surface and arigid polymer interior region 203 d used for snapping on an automotivewheel cover overlay with complete surround of the present invention overan existing manufacturer's wheel cover. Said rigid polymer longitudinallower lip arm is at most 50% of the length of said rigid polymerlongitudinal upper lip arm. Said hook-shaped members 76 d whenmanufactured on the prior art's hub cap flanges 50 are capable of havingthe same geometric shape as the affixed hook-shaped members described in76 b, 76 c, 76 d, 76 e, 76 f, 76 g, 76 h and 76 i of the presentinvention.

Yet still, referring to an embodiment of this present invention, FIG.13C depicts hook-shaped members of the present invention installed onlug nut towers 50 of the prior art described in FIG. 13A. Saidhook-shaped members 76 g affixed to said lug nut towers 70 are comprisedof a rigid polymer longitudinal upper lip arm 200 g connected to a rigidpolymer longitudinal lower lip arm 201 g, wherein said rigid polymerlongitudinal upper lip arm and rigid polymer longitudinal lower lip armare connected by a rigid polymer acutely curved and indented member 202g to form a continuous rigid polymer surface and a rigid polymerinterior region 203 g used for snapping on an automotive wheel coveroverlay with complete surround of the present invention over an existingmanufacturer's wheel cover. Said rigid polymer longitudinal lower liparm is at most 50% of the length of said rigid polymer longitudinalupper lip arm. Said hook-shaped members 76 g when manufactured on theprior art's hub cap lug nut towers 70 are capable of having the samegeometric shape as the affixed hook-shaped members described in 76 b, 76c, 76 d, 76 e, 76 f, 76 g, 76 h and 76 i of the present invention.

Another key distinction between the prior art's wheel cover overlay, forexample as depicted in FIG. 7A, and the present invention's wheel coveroverlay with extended surround as depicted in FIGS. 8A through 10C isthe width, height and alternating arrangements of the manufactured inplace major tension tabs 90 a and minor tension tabs 90 b of the presentinvention as compared to the prior art. A final key distinction betweenthe prior art's wheel cover overlay, for example as depicted in FIG. 7A,and the present invention's wheel cover overlay with extended surroundas depicted in FIGS. 7B through 10C is the numerous geometrichook-shaped members configurations of the present invention as comparedto the prior art.

That to produce the finished embodiment described in the specification,suitable polymer materials well known in the art are first selected andtested for strength, durability, malleability and resistance, etc. tomeet after-market standards and particularly to meet the rigid originalequipment manufacturer (OEM) standards demanded by establishedautomobile manufacturers and distributors. Suitable rigid polymermaterials are used without mixing or proportionally in percentilecombination with other polymer materials, including but not limited to,polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, andacrylonitrile butadeine styrene. Although rigid polymer materials arepreferred, other possible non-polymer materials envisioned by theinventor are wood, metal, fiber glass, stainless steel, and carbonfabric, etc.

First, these materials (prior to being chrome plated and after beingchrome plated) are placed through thermal cycle test(s) and exposed topredetermined temperature to examine for dimensional changes,deformation, clearance gaps, waviness, unevenness, creases, split,crack, breakage, blister, peeling and discoloration, etc. Second, thesematerials (prior to being chrome plated and after being chrome plated)are placed through chemical resistance test(s) and exposed topredetermined chemical concentrations, such as artificial perspiration,detergent, insect repellent, sun tan oil, sun screening cream and liquidparaffin, etc. to examine for dissolving, cloudiness, stains,discoloration, deformation, uneven surfaces, blooming, sticky surfaces,contamination, glossiness, cracking, breakage, softening, hardening,swelling, thinning and shrinkage, etc. Third, these materials (prior tobeing chrome plated and after being chrome plated) are placed underfalling ball impact test(s) by dropping a steel ball from apredetermined height to examine for cracks, breakage, detrimentaldeformation on the materials visible surface, and for conforming, etc.Fourth, these materials (prior to being chrome plated and after beingchrome plated) are placed through pencil scratch test(s) and exposed topredetermined variable models of pencils, so as to examine for surfacehardness and scratch resistance, etc. Fifth, these materials (prior tobeing chrome plated and after being chrome plated) are placed throughabrasion resistance test(s) or TABER and exposed to predeterminedabrasion wheels, load and rotation speed, etc. so as to examine forglossiness before gloss, after gloss and overall gloss retention. Sixth,these materials (prior to being chrome plated and after being chromeplated) are placed through scratch resistance test(s) and exposed topredetermined load, scratching speed and scratch length using sandpaper, glass bead and abrasion tester to examine for based surfaceexposure, flaw observation rank and the difference between gloss valueafter test and initial gloss value.

After the suitable materials are selected and tested as describe above,a three dimensional (3D) scanned imaging of the individual embodimentcomponent parts are generated. Next, the three dimensional scannedimaging of said individual embodiment component parts are transferred toan injection molding computer to generate the injection molding designedprecisely corresponding to each individual component parts of theembodiments of the present invention. Next, the desired material(preferably, but not limited to, rigid polymer material) is placed inthe injection molding to form the individual component parts. After theindividual component parts are formed from the injection molding, a finetuning/finishing process ensues where the component parts are smoothedto remove all/any sharp and/or rough edges. Finally, the individualcomponent parts of the present invention are chromed to obtain the finalproduct.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details set forth in the description contained hereinor illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Hence, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily beutilized as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systemsfor carrying out the several purposes of the presently disclosed subjectmatter. The snap-on technology of this present invention with variationand unique contours can be used for other car accessories such aswheels, view mirrors, side mirrors, license plate covers, etc. Theseaccessories are capable of being fitted with LEDs as deemed necessaryand appropriate and consistent with various regulations.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that variousmodifications and changes can be applied to the embodiment of theinvention as herein before described without departing from its scope,defined in and by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An improved wheel cover overlay assembly withextended surround capable of being snapped on and over an existingmanufacturer's or after market's automotive wheel cover and providingthe appearance of a new or enhanced manufacturer's or after market'sautomotive wheel cover without the need of first removing said existingautomotive wheel cover comprising: an inboard surface area, an outboardsurface area, a peripheral boundary, a peripheral extended surround, aplurality of lug nut towers wherein said plurality of lug nut towerscomprising through holes, a plurality of major flanges with wallsprotruding from said inboard surface area, wherein said plurality ofmajor flanges comprising a plurality of through holes directly carvedinto the surface of said inboard surface area, a plurality of minorflanges with walls protruding from said inboard surface area, saidplurality of minor flanges comprising a plurality of through holesdirectly carved into the surface of said inboard surface area, aplurality of hook-shaped members on said major flanges comprising afirst hook-shaped member portion comprising a first rigid polymer lipprotruding continuously and axially along the entirety of a first rigidpolymer longitudinal edge, said first rigid polymer lip beingcontinuously and radially connected to a first rigid polymer curved armedge at an end of said first hook-shaped member portion; and a secondhook-shaped member portion comprising a second rigid polymer lipprotruding continuously and axially along the entirety of a second rigidpolymer longitudinal edge, said second rigid polymer lip beingcontinuously and radially connected to a second rigid polymer curved armedge at an end of said second hook-shaped member portion.
 2. Theimproved wheel cover overlay assembly as in claim 1, wherein said firsthook-shaped member portion and said second hook-shaped member portioncan be manufactured on said minor flanges.
 3. The improved wheel coveroverlay assembly as in claim 2, wherein said first hook-shaped memberportion and said second hook-shaped member portion can be alternated onboth the major flanges and the minor flanges of the wheel cover overlaywith extended surround.
 4. The improved wheel cover overlay assembly asin claim 3, wherein a rigid polymer longitudinal portion is connected toa rigid polymer curved portion and a rigid polymer arm edge portion andforms an alternate obtuse angle preferably between 91 and 179 degrees.5. The improved wheel cover overlay assembly as in claim 4, wherein saidrigid polymer arm edge portion is connected to a central andcontinuously rigid polymer longitudinal portion and a rigid polymer armedge portion and form an alternate obtuse angle with said central andcontinuously rigid polymer longitudinal portion.
 6. The improved wheelcover overlay assembly as in claim 5, wherein said peripheral extendedsurround extends to cover an entire vehicle's rim.
 7. The improved wheelcover overlay assembly as in claim 6, manufactured by a processcomprising the steps of: selecting suitable polymer materials;performing thermal cycle testing of said suitable polymer materials;performing chemical resisting testing of said suitable polymermaterials; performing falling ball impact testing of said suitablepolymer materials; performing pencil scratching testing of said suitablepolymer materials; performing abrasion resistance testing of saidsuitable polymer materials; performing scratch resistance testing ofsaid suitable polymer materials; providing a three dimensional scannedimaging of individual component parts; transferring said threedimensional scanned imaging of said individual component parts to aninjection molding computer to generate precise corresponding design ofsaid component parts; placing rigid polymer material in an injectionmolding to form said individual component parts; finishing saidcomponent parts by smoothing said parts and removing all sharp and roughedges; and chroming said component parts.